GRANT COUNTY – There’s nothing like getting a piece of good news in the mail.

About two weeks ago, 82 Grant County residents no doubt had smiles on their faces as they received their Wayne Stewart Scholarship award letters. At the same time, checks were sent to their colleges, universities and trade schools in varying amounts. The amount of the awards depended on different factors, including tuition rates.

“The five” – the group of local citizens on the scholarship committee – met in late December to decide how to distribute the money: a little over $150,000 to the fortunate 82.

Grant Union High School counselor Mike Cosgrove, who helps students apply for financial aid for college, was happy to hear the news.

“It’s exciting to think about what this money is going to do as our families and students plan for their futures – to realize it’s going to be much more affordable,” he said. “It’s a great example of how living in Grant County has some unique benefits.”

The family of Wayne and Jane (Quayle) Stewart had a keen interest in education. Wayne Stewart, born in 1896, was a Harvard graduate and successful businessman who also operated a cattle ranch in Dayville where they lived.

When Wayne and Jane Stewart died, trust accounts which they had set up continued to provide for their son Eminger Stewart. Eminger Stewart, who was also well educated, lived at Murderers Creek and was a resident of Mt. Vernon from 2002 until his death. In his will, he made provisions for a scholarship foundation identical to that of his parents.

Linda Thomas-Bush, vice president and senior trust officer at US Bank in Bend, who is handling both foundations, stated that approximately $300,000 will be available for the 2008-09 school year through the Wayne Stewart Foundation. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2008.

“Once the Eminger Stewart probate is completed and that foundation is established for scholarships, there will be approximately $400,000 available for the 2009-10 academic school year,” said Thomas-Bush.

As the value of the two foundations grows, so will the amount available for scholarships.

One change has been made since the scholarship money was first announced; there is no longer an official age limit of 35. The will left by Wayne Stewart says the money is to be used for “worthy young” residents of Grant County, with no clear definition of “young,” so officials removed that requirement.

Other Grant County school officials were pleased to hear about the unprecedented scholarship awards.

“I think that’s going to help a lot of kids reach their goals,” said Grant Union High School Principal Mark Witty. “It’s just the beginning of the number of students it’s going to help in Grant County.”

Prairie City School Superintendent David Kerr said he was impressed by the announcement.

“Anytime you can help 82 people continue their education, that’s a good thing. Those are great numbers,” he said.

“I think it’s just a tremendous gesture on the part of the family,” said Grant School District 3 Superintendent Newell Cleaver. “It’s a legacy that you don’t see in every community – it’s extremely generous. The impact that it has on individual lives is immeasurable, you can’t really put a dollar amount on it. It’s more than money, it’s that opportunity to expand education. I don’t know how much response the community will get back, but I have a feeling there will be an outpouring of gratitude.”

All forms are available at the Grant Education Service District website:

(www.grantesd.k12.or.us)

Editor’s note: Names of the scholars were not released. Future application forms are expected to include a release to allow announcement of the individuals chosen.